Vice President Sara Duterte has announced that she is “seriously considering” running in the 2028 presidential election, despite facing multiple impeachment complaints over allegations of misuse of confidential funds amounting to P612 million.
Duterte made the revelation during a press briefing on February 7, marking her first public appearance since the House of Representatives voted to impeach her. The fast-tracked resolution, backed by 215 lawmakers, accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, bribery, graft, and corruption. The Senate will now decide her fate, but an impeachment trial will not begin until sessions resume in June.
Speaking to reporters, Duterte did not explicitly confirm whether she would run for president but acknowledged that her team is weighing the decision carefully. Surveys place her among the top contenders for 2028, despite the political turmoil surrounding her.
Lawmakers Push Back Against Duterte’s Criticism of the Government
Duterte’s statement comes just days after she criticized the current administration, suggesting that the country is in decline under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V and Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers both challenged Duterte’s claim, pointing to economic data that contradicts her statements. “Statistics show we are progressing, not backsliding,”Ortega said, while Barbers urged the vice president to present concrete evidence to support her criticisms.
While lawmakers acknowledged Duterte’s right to seek the presidency, many questioned her motives for running, particularly given her legal troubles. The impeachment complaints allege irregularities in the disbursement of confidential funds within the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), including forged receipts and unidentified signatories.
Calls for Accountability Grow as Duterte’s Supporters Rally
As Duterte’s political future hangs in the balance, supporters have rallied behind her, with the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) organizing a massive demonstration on February 5. The National Rally for Peace, which drew 1.8 million participants nationwide, expressed support for Marcos’ stance against Duterte’s impeachment.
Despite the large turnout, Malacañang reaffirmed that Marcos remains neutral, stating that the rally did not influence his decision on Duterte’s impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, former senator Leila de Lima has called on Congress to act swiftly, arguing that delaying the impeachment trial would signal a willingness to tolerate corruption and abuse of power. “The time to act is now,” de Lima declared, urging lawmakers to prioritize transparency and accountability.
With Congress in recess until June, Duterte has several months to strategize her next political move. Whether she launches a presidential campaign or focuses on surviving her impeachment trial, her political ambitions remain a central topic of debate in the Philippines.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.